Thank You, America Sur

Last night on this continent, and very mixed feelings about leaving South America.  In my very short tour, I have grown very fond of the cultures and vibrations of this great continent.  I am very grateful that I have been healthy enough and fiscally restrained so that I have been able to encounter the people, places and events that have made my life significantly different and better for the past few months.

I was thinking that when the Gods were turning out the climates, continents and occupants thereof, that there is some sort of karmic justice to the way mankind is distributed over this hemisphere.  For example, my Canadian family has been suffering through a very cold and miserable winter, while the folks down here hardly notice a difference in the weather, although floods and hurricanes can, and will, do serious damage. While the folks in the Northern Hemisphere learn to live and thrive in minus temperatures, and the presence of oil sands and diamonds drive a forceful economy, the easy going climate of this region of South America somewhat softens the impact of a less than stellar economy.  Hopefully all of the non-spending backpackers will go back to their northern roots, acquire meaningful and productive jobs, and return as spendy snowbirds.

I know that further south, in Peru, and parts of Ecuador, the mineral wealth is just beginning to be exploited, and the presence   of the big players on an international scale may eventually bring some wealth and prosperity to those folks who are really struggling to live, let alone enjoy some of the bright things being pumped out of China for the rest of us.  I sincerely hope that their government leaders have the courage and an understanding of the world economy so that the welfare of their people is put before the instant payoffs offered by the multinational  mining corporations.   I don't pretend to know what the individual governments in South America have in store with respect to their foreign policy, nor do I have a clue about their domestic strategies, and all I can comment on is the very real need for social reform, education improvements, and a clear imbalance between the wealthy and not-at-all-wealthy, which needs to be addressed in my view.    From what I have been reading of Cuba, I am guessing that I may be somewhat disappointed with the results of the Socialist Revolution in Cuba, and until I see the country and gain some insight into the ways people are living, it is not for me to judge.

I think that one of the major benefits of visiting this continent was gaining a better and very real appreciation of the history of the New World.  I am better able to think in terms of "Pre-Colombian" and "New World"  histories as I have moved around through different countries and regions of South America.  It was an eye-opener for me to walk through a walled city in Peru that was being built at the same time the Egyptian pyramids were being constructed.   When I trudged up the stairs of Manchu Picchu and saw the terraces and the very sophisticated astral observatories, I began to fathom the depth and sophistication of the Pre-Colombian peoples.  I learned and appreciated that many different groups of people flourished and lived productive lives long before the conquering Spanish, and I was amazed at their art and their understanding of the world around them.

I feel as if I have just bumped into the tip of the iceberg called South America, and there are layers and layers of experiences to be had in this wonderful hemisphere.

I am thinking that maybe I should have rubbed her bottom, or something, to guarantee that I will return to South America.  The statue is kind of like the Blarney Stone, eh??

Blondy sleeps on the Stahlratte tonite, and tomorrow we start our journey towards Jamaica and Cuba, with a landing in Isla Mujeres on May 25th..

 No, I am not doing a pirate imitation.  My pinned tooth became looser and looser, fortunately falling out over coffee and not whilst I was dreaming....

A trip to an emergency dentist and 100 pesos made the glue do its thing, although I think I now have a good reason to return for dental work in  SA....

Back in the teeth business...

 Blondy was pawing at the door to get onboard, so away we went to the dock...

 It looks like there will be seven  bikes riding Cuba, and a whole bunch of backpackers...

 I hope those knots are tight...

Captain Ludwig loaded Blondy onto a rubber ducky by running her off the dock, balancing on the skid plate, and lifting her stern into the rubber boat.  I couldn't look.  He has done this a few times, so I have to have faith...

She does look kind of shiny, doesn't she???

The journey to Mexico begins....I am sending up some Caribbean weather to my snow-bound Canadian and European friends...start planning your riding season...off the grid until  June...Dave